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To: Chickensoup
I am uncomfortable putting any strain on the drive until you are quite certain the drive is not failing. Getting the data off would be my first concern, then a full test of the hard drive.

You would do better to shut the box off, rather than leave it run. There is still a fair chance that you are losing the hard drive, and leaving it spinning is to invite disaster, especially so if the box is making weird noises, or if the OS is operating in a slow or erratic way. I doubt that you have further problems, but safe is better than sorry.

Is it possible for you to purchase an USB external hard drive? They run circa 120-150 US$. Would prefer a Maxtor or Seagate solution. If so, then tomorrow is another day. Purchase the ext drive, back up your stuff, then continue on course. If not, does your computer have the ability to burn CD or DVD? if so, this would be cheaper than the ext drive option.

After the full boat drive check, THEN you could most certainly scan for viruses. I would also recommend that you download and use "AVG Anti-Spyware", which is different from AVG Anti-virus. A very good companion to any anti-virus.

146 posted on 03/02/2008 7:06:27 PM PST by roamer_1 (Conservative always, Republican no more.)
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To: roamer_1
Drive failures typically don't put up ads, cause loops, or any of the other symptoms mentioned.

Backing up "important" data is always a good thing. And while whole system backups are good for drive failure, important (personal only) data backups are also good in case you have to wipe a system because of virus infestation.

Better to rebuild a system from the ground up and just restore the important data, rather than risk restoring the whole system restore that might have hidden dangers.

Layered defense.

My $0.02

157 posted on 03/02/2008 7:36:13 PM PST by AFreeBird
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To: roamer_1

I will turn it off tonight and get what I need tomorow.

I will do what you say tommorow

Thank you so much


158 posted on 03/02/2008 7:42:09 PM PST by Chickensoup (If it is not permitted, it is prohibited. Only the government can permit....)
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